My Genealogy Hound

WILLIAM A. FALES, a prosperous farmer and a successful stone-cutter of Pelham, was born in that town July 5, 1828, son of Abijah and Mary (Woods) Fales. Mr. Fales’s grandparents were Sewell and Lois Fales, the former of whom was a native of Holden, Mass. He settled in Pelham in 1803, and owned a farm in the northwest part of the town, which contained a great deal of valuable timber. He followed agriculture with satisfactory results until his death, which occurred at a good old age. He raised a family of ten children, all of whom grew to maturity, but are now deceased. His wife, who was a member of the Methodist church, died at an advanced age.

Abijah Fales, father of Mr. Fales, followed agriculture as his principal occupation. He settled upon the Wood farm, where his son now resides, and conducted it successfully. He also engaged in quarrying stone, which, as it developed into a profitable business, he continued until his death. He married Mary Woods, daughter of William Woods, who was a native of Hardwick, Mass., and became an early settler in Pelham, where he cleared and improved a good farm. Both he and his wife died in Pelham at an advanced age. Abijah Fales died at the age of eighty-one years. He was a Whig in politics and a Congregationalist in his religious belief. His eight children were as follows: Henry J., who died while serving as a soldier in the Civil War; William A., the subject of this sketch; Lois, wife of Samuel Wesson, of Worcester, Mass.; Lyman G., a resident of Easthampton; James M.; Anthea H., who lives at the old homestead; Caroline A., who also resides there; and John T., who resides in Newport, R. I. The mother died at the homestead in Pelham.

William A. Fales was educated in the public schools of his native town, and resided at home until his majority. He then went to Amherst, where he was engaged in farming and in the stone business. In 1864 he moved to his present farm, consisting of sixty-five acres of fertile land. His house is a landmark of the town, over one hundred years old. In addition to farming he has conducted an extensive and profitable business in quarrying stone.

On April 15, 1856, Mr. Fales was united in marriage to Emma A. Ballou, born in Rhode Island, daughter of Silas Ballou. Mr. and Mrs. Fales had eight children, as follows: Anna, who died at the age of sixteen; Mary L., wife of Frank Roberts, of Adams, Mass.; Charles D., of Springfield, Mass.; Clara W., who resides at home; Jane E., wife of Leonard Ball, of Northampton; Emma A., wife of Edward Still, of Pelham; Kate B. and Sarah, who reside at home. Mr. Fales is a Republican in politics.